Classes During Pregnancy

Birth Preparation Series

• The birth process, how to cope with labor and delivery as a team.
• For mom and labor support person(s).
• Five-week series, including Birth Center tour and Make Room For Baby class.
• For refresher series attend two–three classes.
• Register early – during your fifth month of pregnancy.

Saturday Birth Prep Mini-Course

• For expectant parents with difficult work schedules.
• Great refresher class for moms and partner who've been to classes with a previous pregnancy.
• One day, all day Saturday, including Birth Center tour.

Breastfeeding Class

• One class for parents who want more information on natural infant feeding.
• Getting off to a good start, preventing problems.
• Family support promotes success – dads and grandparents welcome.
• Attend during the third trimester of your pregnancy.

Natural Milk Network

• Ongoing support for breastfeeding moms, babies and families.
• Common concerns and interests, back-to-work issues.
• Group problem-solving and individual assistance as needed.
• Drop in with baby; attend as often as needed.
• Facilitated by certified lactation consultants and breastfeeding educators.

Lactation Services Center

• Staffed by certified lactation consultants.
• Available to all breastfeeding moms in the Tri-state area.
• Private assistance with common problems and special situations.
• Free telephone assistance at (563) 589-9596.

Sibling Class

• For children three–ten years who are going to have a new baby at their house.
• Learn about the birth process and life with a newborn.
• Family tour of the Birth Center when possible.
• Please ask about preparation of older siblings.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean) Consultation

• For parents who have experienced a previous Caesarean birth and plan to labor this time.
• A one-on-one session with a Birth Center nurse, arranged individually.
• For those who need to talk over a previous delivery and want help planning this one.

Make Room For Baby

• One class covering birth from baby's point of view and baby care basics, preparing for and adjusting to life with a newborn.
• Expectant parents, teenage siblings, grandparents and adoptive parents welcome.
• Attend during third trimester of your pregnancy.

Birth Center Tour

• Visit the Birthing Unit, C-Section Suite, Mother-Baby Area, Nursery and NICU
• For expectant parents and families, including children over the hospital visiting age of 14. We encourage younger children to attend Sibling Class.

Maybe Baby?...

• A guide for couples thinking about having a baby.
• Information to ensure the best possible health for mom and baby.
• A self-check packet mailed to your home.

Now That We're Home

• You will receive a visit from one of our registered nurses in your home if you choose.
• If a return visit to the hospital is ordered, or a phone call from our nurses works better for you, we will do that.
• You can call us with your questions at (563) 589-8599 anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Upon Request

• If there is something special that you need.
• If group classes do not fit your needs, your work schedule or your comfort level.
• Please call us and our education coordinator can arrange something just for you.

For more information on Birth Education offered by Mercy Health Center call (563) 58-BIRTH or (800) 99-BIRTH.